TO STUDY AND MAINTENANCE OF OIL HEAT CONVERTER

A PROJECT REPORT
2017
IN THE PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT OF THE SYLLABUS
OF DIPLOMA IN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
(Submitted under the guidance of)
MR. RATNESH KUMAR GUPTA

SUBMITTED BY:- SUBMITTED TO:-

AYUSH RAWAT -1408131207 MR. RATNESH KUMAR GUPTA
AYUSH KR. SAH-1408131206 PROJECT INCHARGE
DEEPAK GUPTA-1408131209 LECTURER (MECH. ENGG.)

PUSA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, PUSA NEW DELHI-110012

BOARD TECHNICAL EDUCATION
GOV. OF NCT OF DELHI
 Acknowledgement
I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my teacher Mr. Ratnesh kumar gupta
(Lecturer) who gave me the golden opportunity to do this Project which also helped me to get a lot of
Knowledge and i came to know about so many new things.
I am really thankful to them.
Secondly I would also like to thanks my parents who helped me a lot in finance and analyzing this
project with in the limited time frame.
I am not doing this Project not only for marks but to also increase my knowledge who helped me in my
future.

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL WHO HELPED ME.

 PREFACE

In order to make our Theoretical knowledge perfect, Practical knowledge and experience is essential in
this project.
Some major field operations and working I learnt are:
 About heating process and methods
 About heaters
 About oil heat converter/oil heater
 About heaters advantages
 About heaters applications

The important thing I learnt during my Project is the importance of Team Work and co-operation to
handle different situations. We would always be sincere towards our work. I also learnt how to handle
and complete the work within the prescribed time limit in most effective, efficient and economical
manner.
This report gives a brief description of what I learnt and notice during my Project period.
 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that this project report entitled “TO STUDY AND MAINTANACE OF OIL HEAT
CONVERTER” submitted to PUSA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, PUSA, NEW DELHI-
110012 is a bonafide record of work done by “AYUSH RAWAT, AYUSH KUMAR SAH AND
DEEPAK GUPTA” under the guidance of project incharge MR. RATNESH KUMAR GUPTA from
“

MR. RATNESH KUMAR GUPTA

PROJECT INCHARGE
LECTURER (MECH. ENGG.)
PUSA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
 CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1:- GENERAL INTRODUCTION……………………………...……………………..…………...1-5

1.1:- INTRODUCTION
1.2:- WHAT IS AN OIL FILLED HEATER?
1.3:- THE SCIENCE BEHINDE OIL FILLED HEATERS
1.4:- EFFICIENCY
1.5:- SAFETY AND FEATURES
CHAPTER 2:- ITEM DESCRIPTION………………………………………………………….……….…...….…...6-13
2.1:- ITEM SPECIFICATION
2.2:- DESCRIPTIONS AND FUNCTIONS
CHAPTER 3:- OIL FILTER WORKING………………………………………………….………….……………...14-18
3.1:- HOW AN OIL FILLED HEATER WORKS?
3.2:- DIATHERMIC OIL AS A HEAT RESERVIOR
3.3:- NATURAL CONVECTION AND AIR CIRCULATION
CHAPTER 4:- MAINTENANCE OF AN OIL HEAT CONVERTER………………..……………… 19-21
4.1:- CLEANING, MAINTENANCE AND STORING
COULD BE DONE AT HOME
CHAPTER 5:- BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS OF AN OIL HEAT CONVERTER…………22-30
5.1:- WHY TO CHOOSE OIL FILLED RADIATOR OVER OTHER?
5.2:- 10 REASONS THE ELECTRIC OIL HEATER IS SO POPULAR
CHAPTER 6:- APPLICATIONS OF AN OIL HEAT CONVERTER......................................31
CHAPTER 7:- PRECAUTIONS AND ASSEMBLY...................................................................32-38
7.1:- ASSEMBLY/INSTALLATION
CHAPTER 8:- FURTHER INFORMATION AND QUERIES……………………………………..….....39-50
8.1:- ENVIRONMENTS SUITED TO USING AN OIL FILLED
RADIATOR
8.2:- TROUBLESHOOTING OIL-FILLED HEATERS
8.3:- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CONVECTOR
AND A RADIATOR?
8.4:- OIL FILLED HEATER VS. CONVECTION HEATER
8.5:- OIL FILLED VS. WATER FILLED
8.6:- BEST USES OF AN FILLED HEATER
8.7:- WHICH HEATERS ARE MORE EFFICIENT: THOSE FILLED
WITH OIL OR THE NEW QUARTZ HEATERS?
8.8:- OIL FILLED HEATERS THAT ARE ENERGY EFFICIENT
8.9:- OIL HEATER VS. ELECTRIC HEATER
 CHAPTER 1

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Generally oil heat converter called by oil heater but in engineering field it called by oil heat converter.
An oil heater, also known as an oil-filled heater, oil-filled radiator, or column heater, is a common
form of convection heater used in domestic heating. Although filled with oil, it is electrically heated
and does not involve burning any oil fuel; the oil is used as a heat reservoir (buffer), not as a fuel.

For study and maintenance we use westinghouse oil filled room heater which is 1250W power
consiting 6 oil filled fins with air ionization function.

1.2 WHAT IS AN OIL FILLED HEATER?

An oil-Filled radiator typically looks a lot like the old-fashioned radiator (the kind that you usually see
someone beating with a wrench on TV) except they are a lot smaller.
They consist of a series of joined columns or Fins, sometimes with open spaces between them which
are attached at the base and fronted with a control panel. A few oil-Filled heaters are constructed as a
single flat panel.
Unlike a traditional radiator, oil-Filled radiators are quite mobile. They connect to your household
electricity with an ordinary wall plug, so they can be moved around almost everywhere. Most have
carrying handles, while the larger models have wheels for easy repositioning.
Inside the body and Fin of the heater is diathermic oil. The most common question asked about oil-
Filled heaters is, "Do I have to refill the oil?" The answer is, "No, you don't have to refill the oil in an
oil-Filled radiator." The oil is not used as fuel, but instead serves as a heat reservoir therefore it never
gets used up. It just continues circulating through the heater for as long as you use it.
Here's a brief overview of how it works:
1. Electricity is channeled into a resistor inside the heater, which turns the energy into heat.
2. That heat is absorbed by the diathermic oil that is enclosed in the heater.
3. As the oil in the heater warms up, it begins to circulate through the Fins and columns.
4. As the oil moves, it transfers heat into the metal of the heater's Fins, creating an even surface
temperature.
5. As the metal Fins heat up, they begin to radiate heat into the room. This heat is circulated throughout
the room by natural convection in the air.

A Little Background

An oil filled heater is a type of conventional heater that is portable but uses fuel oil. This fuel oil is not
exactly used as fuel but it is just used as a heat reservoir so that the oil filled heater stays heated using
electricity while just using the oil to heat it up but not burning it.
Oil filled heaters are commonly found in bedrooms due to their safety. Because of the commonly
luxurious and safe design of any oil filled heater, they can be easily found in most residential areas,
hotels and the like wherever there is really cold climate such as those with four seasons and cold
winters.

An oil filled heater may sound expensive but it is a great investment for power heating in the long run
during peak winter season. People do invest in any oil filled heater because of the fact that is less
worrying than other fuel heaters and gives out more power than a regular electric heater. Even if they
are a bit bulky, they are designed to heat up an entire room for certain periods of time so that you won’t
have to worry about maintenance.

1.3 THE SCIENCE BEHINDE OIL FILLED HEATERS

From the outside, an oil filled radiator looks no different from your typical old-fashioned radiator—the
same ones you see on television causing the protagonist so much grief—except perhaps they’re much
smaller.

But their diminutive size is for a good reason, because unlike traditional radiators, oil heaters are
portable and can be moved almost anywhere you desire. You can plug them to any regular wall plug
and use them in any room in the household. The smaller models typically have carry handles, while the
larger, more powerful units have wheels for ease of movement.

These machines feature a series of fins or connected columns, sometimes with gaps between that are
attached at the base and have a control panel at the front. Inside the body and fins of the radiator is
diathermic oil—hence the name of the machine.

That said, you might be wondering if oil-filled heaters need to have their oil refilled. The good news is
that they don’t, because the oil isn’t used as fuel, but rather functions as a heat reservoir, never being
consumed. It just flows through the insides of the heater when it’s switched on

1.4 EFFICINENCY

Although oil heaters are more expensive to run and provide far less spatial heating than gas heaters,
they are still commonly used in bedrooms and other small-to-medium-sized enclosed areas. This is
because gas heaters, especially when unflued, are not suitable for bedroom use - gas heaters cannot be
used in confined spaces due to the reduced oxygen, and the emissions produced. This leaves
electrically powered heaters, such as oil heaters and fan heaters, as the only alternative.

Several efficiencies can be measured in regards to heaters, such as the efficiency of heating a room
with a given amount of power, and the efficiency of the electrical generator which powers the heater
and power loss from transporting the electricity over power lines. Measures may also consider how
well a heater keeps the temperature of a space above a certain point. Such a measure would find
inefficiencies in heating an already warm room. Many heaters (the majority of available models) are
equipped with a thermostat to prevent this inefficient heating, which in turn reduces running costs. This
feature was much more common in oil heaters than in the cheaper fan heaters until recently; thus many
older oil heaters will be cheaper and more efficient to run than their contemporary fan heaters that lack
the thermostat.

Typical oil heaters range in power consumption/output from 300 to 2400 watts, and their length and
number of columns is roughly proportional to their power rating. A 2400 Watt oil heater is usually
approximately 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length.

All electric resistance heaters are 100% efficient, with operating costs determined by their wattage and
the length of operating time. A 500 watt heater will take twice as long to reach the same thermostat
setting as a 1000 watt unit, the total consumption of electricity is the same for both.

By contrast, an electrical heat pump used for home heating typically has efficiency well above 100%,
expressed as its coefficient of performance.

1.5 SAFETY AND FEATURES

In general, oil heaters are considered safer than electric fan heaters because they can have lower
surface temperatures and require less consideration of the flow of air through/over the heater.

Most modern small heaters have some form of tilt sensor to cut power if they are knocked over or
placed on an unstable surface. This can reduce the risk of fire if a heater is knocked over.

The surface temperature of oil heaters is usually low enough to be able to dry items of clothing by
hanging them above the heater (but not in contact with the heater). Great caution must be exercised as
there is a fire risk if the clothing is not removed immediately once it is dry; especially in the case of
synthetic fabrics such as polyester, which can melt or burn where they are in contact with the heater. It
should also be noted that some oil heaters contain strong warnings to avoid operation in damp areas
(such as bathrooms or laundry rooms) because the moisture and humidity can damage components of
the heater itself. From a safety standpoint, having any objects within three feet of an oil heater is
generally to be avoided, and using one to dry clothes is not recommended by any modern
manufacturer.
Even though in normal operation the surface temperature of the heater is quite low, the extra thermal
resistance of the clothing on the heater can cause its surface temperature to rise in order to maintain the
same level of heating for the room.

Oil heaters have been known to explode when their thermal fuses fail to shut them off. This can cause
unpleasant odors, thick black smoke, oil on walls and other surfaces, fire, and disfiguring scalding.

Some companies offer oil heaters with a fan to encourage air flow over the heater. Since it is constantly
bringing the colder air from the room into contact with the heater, this can improve the rate of heat
flow from the heater into the room. The rate of heat flow from the heater into the air in contact with it
is higher when there is a greater temperature difference between said heater and air.

CHAPTER 2

ITEM DESCRIPTION

2.1 ITEM SPECIFICATIONS

 Power Consumption (Watts): 1250W

  Function: Overheat Protection
 Frequency: 50Hz
 Other Name: oil heater
 MDL NO: WSOMS630S
 Serial NO: SL 1013 00037
 Electric Heater Type: Oil Heater
 Product Name: electric oil heater
 Colour: White
 Installation: Freestanding
 heat setting: 3 Heat Setting
 certification: IS 302-2-30, cm/l 9477201, safety ISI
 voltage: 250V
 Use: Living Room, Bedroom, Any Room
 Brand: Westinghouse
 Type: Oil Filled Radiator Heater
 Model Name: Westinghouse 6 fin
 Manufactured at: India
 Marketed by: W – Lifestyle India Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi-110061
 Warranty Period (in Months): 24
 Safety Features: Thermal cut-off or thermal fuse built in
 Additional Features: Adjustable thermostat, Three heating positions low or
mid or high, Integrated handle, Castor wheels, Cord winder, Tilt Over Switch for Safety,
Antifreeze function, With 147 mm fins width, Ionizer, Adjustable thermostat

2.2 DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTIONS

Overview

Westinghouse 6Fin oil filled Radiator Heater is a 6 fins heater which is strong and durable. It is also
very stylish, unlike conventional heaters that didn’t look very pleasing. This one will merge well with
your wooden furniture because of its colour and will add to the grace of it. It has heat and thermostatic
control. The contemporary design of this effective Fan Heater at a reasonable price makes it a must
have for people living in cold regions. Since it is very economical in usage, the buyer will never regret
buying this fan heater. It can be used in homes, offices, and open parties in lawns or banquets since it is
very mobile because of its castor wheels. Heating action with Silent operation. Rust-resistant durable
metal construction

Heating Protection

Westinghouse 6Fin oil filled Radiator Heater offers safety by making provisions for overheating
protection. This makes it safe and sound for domestic as well as industrial usage. With such protection,
the risk of any causality reduces to a great extent.

Wheels for Mobility

Conventional heaters which you used to be fixed on the wall, once and for all are a waste when that
particular room is not in use. Keeping this mind, the new modern design is developed for
Westinghouse 6 Fin oil filled Radiator Heater. This heater has castor wheels so you can easily move
the fan heater in the house. This means you need not have heaters in all the rooms in your house and
thus save money. You can also transport it easily to some other location for situation specific usage
since it is very light and portable.

Power Consumption

Westinghouse 6 Fin oil filled Radiator Heater works on 1250 watts. It also has an option of
thermostatic heat control. This efficient heater gives you an added advantage of three heat settings.
This helps you to minimize your electricity bills. If there were no temperature control option, apart
from paying high bills, there would have been other kinds of uneasiness too like not being able to
enjoy the desired heat.

Additional Features

This powerful heater comes with 2-year manufacturer warranty so you don’t have to worry about
additional expenses on maintenance and repair for months together. Westinghouse 6 Fin oil filled
Radiator Heater also has a tilt over switch for safety. This tilt over switch allows the current to pass
only when it tilted beyond a certain angle. This makes it risk-free to use it around children.

 Thermostat for desire room temperature

Thermostat setting regulates the room temperature according to comport. It can be change from
minimum to maximum according to desire room temperature.
 Castor wheel or smooth movement

Conventional heaters which you used to be fixed on the wall, once and for all are a waste when
that particular room is not in use. Keeping this mind, the new modern design is developed for
oil filled Radiator Heater. This heater has castor wheels so you can easily move the fan heater
in the house. This means you need not have heaters in all the rooms in your house and thus save
money. You can also transport it easily to some other location for situation specific usage since
it is very light and portable.

 Thermal fuse or thermal cut-off for safety

It also has a safety thermal cut off feature to keep your unit safe from overheating.

Safety features include fully enclosed heating element, thermal cut-off function. A thermal
cutoff is an electrical safety device that interrupts electric current when heated to a specific
temperature. These devices may be for one-time use or may be reset manually or automatically.
 A thermal fuse is a cutoff which uses a one-time fusible link. Unlike a thermal switch which
may automatically reset itself when the temperature drops, the thermal fuse is more like an
electrical fuse: a single-use device that cannot be reset and must be replaced when it fails or is
triggered. A thermal fuse is used when the overheating is a result of a rare occurrence, such as
failure requiring repair (which would also replace the fuse) or replacement at the end of service
life.

 Three heat settings

Westinghouse 6 Fin oil filled Radiator Heater works on 1250 watts. It also has an option of
thermostatic heat control which is low heat, medium heat and high heat. This efficient heater
gives you an added advantage of three heat settings. This helps you to minimize your electricity
bills. If there were no temperature control option, apart from paying high bills, there would
have been other kinds of uneasiness too like not being able to enjoy the desired heat. 3 heat
settings let you adjust output levels optimizing energy-efficient operation
 Antifreeze function

It also has an anti-freeze setting to keep you heated when the temperature drops to a certain
point. It also has a safety thermal cut off feature to keep your unit safe from overheating and
activates an anti-freeze mechanism when the temperature drops to certain point. The antifreeze
setting prevent a room from freezing.

An antifreeze is an additive which lowers the freezing point of a water-based liquid. An

antifreeze mixture is used to achieve freezing-point depression for cold environments and also
achieves boiling-point elevation ("anti-boil") to allow higher coolant temperature. Freezing and
boiling points are colligative properties of a solution, which depend on the concentration of the
dissolved substance.

 Cord wrap

Wrap around cord is design to lets out store cord when heater is not in use. Oil heater contain
the cord wrap so that the wire could be stored without getting damage. It helps to prevent the
wire from getting distorted as well as prevent it to get tangled and work as a precaution so that
no one falls by gets trip over because of the wire.

 Carrying handle
 A strong handle to carry the Oil heater with ease to any suitable or desirable place. It is also a
comfortable and smooth to hold so that no one gets hurt because of the tight grasp of the handle
and could carry the oil heater efficiently while being safe to hold.

 Fan heater

A traditional oil heater with an exposed heating element uses a fan to blow hot air out into the
room. Oil-filled heaters are almost entirely silent. The most noise it makes is some clicking as
the thermostat adjusts itself. It also distributes hot air into desirable space from the passages of
the oil heater.

 Air Ionizer Function

 Air ionizer is an independent device and can operate even when the unit mode is switched off.
Turning on the ionizer you make room air cleaner and more useful, preserving the
environmental balance of your space. Useful negative air ions generated by air ionizer, destroy
malignant bacteria, as well reduce the contents of harmful impurities in the air.

1. Turn on the ionizer by means of a key switch located on the unit’s side panel.
2. When the air ionizer operating, a green indicator light illuminates on the side of radiator.
3. When ionizer is switched off, the indicator light goes out.

 Heater Fins and Surface Area

The body of an oil Filled heater is made up of a series of stacked metal fins or columns, or
sometimes a single Flat panel. Warm diathermic oil circulates through channels built inside the
Fins and panels, heating the metal as it goes. The warm metal surface then radiates heat into the
air surrounding the heater.

The larger the surface area of the heater, the more surface area that's in direct contact with the
air, and the faster the air will warm up. Oil- Filled heaters are often criticized for being slow to
warm up, so manufacturers try to improve this by stacking multiple Fins together, or using
larger thin panels to radiate heat. Don't confuse surface area or heater size with the amount of
heat produced. However heat output is determined entirely by the amount of electricity
consumed, which is measured in watts. Surface area only affects how quickly that heat can be
spread into the room CHAPTER 3

OIL FILTER WORKING

Oil heaters consist of metal columns with cavities, inside which silicone oil (mostly siloxanes
like polydimethylsiloxane) flows freely around the heater. A heating element at the base of the heater
heats up the oil, which then flows around the cavities of the heater by convection. The oil acts as a heat
reservoir, with a relatively high specific heat capacity (approximately 2 kJ.kg−1.K−1) and high boiling
point (approximately 150–300 degrees Celsius). The high specific heat capacity allows the oil to store
a large amount of thermal energy in a small volume, while the high boiling point allows it to remain in
the liquid phase for the purpose of heating, so that the heater does not have to be a high pressure vessel.
Using the oil as a heat reservoir, the heating element heats the oil, which remains warm for a long
period of time while the heat is transferred to the metal wall through convection, through the walls via
conduction, then to the surroundings via convection and radiation. The columns of oil heaters are
typically constructed as thin fins, such that the surface area of the metal columns is large relative to the
volume of the oil heat reservoir. A large surface area allows more air to be in contact with the heater at
any point in time, allowing for the heat to be transferred more rapidly from the heater into the room.

3.1 HOW AN OIL FILLED HEATER WORKS?

 Electricity flows into the heater’s resistor, which converts energy into heat
 The inert diathermic oil enclosed inside the heater absorbs the heat
 As the oil begins to heat up, it flows through the radiator’s columns and fins, like a stream of
hot water flowing through plumbing

 Heat transfer between the warm oil and the heater’s metal fin occurs, creating an even level of
warmth
 As the metal fins continue to heat up, they begin to generate heat into the room. The heat moves
throughout the space through natural air convection
In simplest terms, they work the same as a toaster or hair dryer - an electrical element is heated by the
current passing through it.

The only thing different about these heaters is that the heating element is immersed in oil. This
transfers the heat into the oil which is then transferred to the metal housing, which usually looks like a
radiator.

Then, since this electric radiator is warmer than its surroundings, it transmits heat, by way of infrared
radiation, to everything around it. In addition, there is some heating of the air around the unit which
helps to circulate the warmth around the room through natural convection (hot air rising and cool air
dropping). This is more gentle, and often more comfortable than using blowers to circulate the air.

The advantage these heaters have over your typical electric heater is that the entire radiator warms up,
rather than just a thin heating element. This provides more surface area which allows the convection to
take place more efficiently. In addition, since no fan is involved, there's slightly less energy
consumption than the equivalent wattage blower based heater.

One other advantage is that the temperature of the surface of the radiator is lower than that of a thin
heating element which must be much hotter. This means lower chance of burning oneself or setting fire
to objects in the room.

As an aside, when I was young, I lived in an unheated part of the house and had to rely upon one of
these electric radiators in the middle of my room to keep me warm. Some days, I'd have to literally sit
on the radiator to stay warm! I couldn't do that with a normal hot-coil heater!

3.2 DIATHERMIC OIL AS A HEAT RESERVIOR

The diathermic oil used in an oil-filled radiator has two properties that make it a superb heat reservoir.
  High specific heat capacity - The amount of heat a material can hold before its temperature
rises.
 High boiling point - The temperature at which a liquid turns into a vapour. The boiling point
for diathermic oil is three times higher than water.

Together, these two factors mean that the oil inside your heater can store a lot of heat without getting
hot enough to boil. When a liquid boils it becomes a vapour (like water turning into steam), and
requires high pressure systems to contain the extra volume. Because diathermic oil won't reach boiling
temperatures, an oil-filled heater doesn't have this extra engineering complication.

The high heat capacity of the oil also means that the heater will continue radiating heat even after the
electricity has been turned off. This means the heater won't have to run as much, and you'll save money
on your energy costs.

3.3 NATURAL CONVECTION AND AIR CIRCULATION

One of the favorite features of an oil-filled heater is that they operate so silently. This is because most
models don't have built-in fans to distribute hot air. Instead, once the air around the heater has warmed
up, physics takes care of circulating warmth throughout the room through convection. Convection is
the natural process described in the familiar phrase, "heat rises."

Scientifically speaking, when the temperature of a liquid or gas goes up, it becomes less dense and
rises upwards. This means that when the heater by your feet warms the air around it, that air rises up to
towards the ceiling and pushes the cooler air back towards the ground. The cooler air is now warmed
by the heater, creating a continuous convection current throughout the room.

Over time, this convection current will create an even temperature through the whole room (depending
on the size of the room and the power of the heater). In the meantime, anyone in proximity with the
heater itself will feel the direct effects of the heat radiating from it.

CHAPTER 4

MAINTENANCE OF AN OIL HEAT CONVERTER

Oil heat provides clean and efficient energy for the home. New advancements have resulted in fewer
emissions than ever before. If you have an oil heater in your home, you need to perform yearly
maintenance for the heater to continue to work efficiently.

Oil heat provides clean and efficient energy for the home. New advancements have resulted in fewer
emissions than ever before. If you have an oil heater in your home, you need to perform yearly
maintenance for the heater to continue to work efficiently.

Plan to perform the annual maintenance before you need to use the oil heater for the first time of
the season. Early autumn is ideal for arranging for a professional to come in to inspect and clean
the heater.

Contact an oil heater serviceman to come to your home. You need to allot one to 2 hours for his
visit.

Make sure the service professional performs all oil heat maintenance tasks. He should inspect the
chimney, clean the pipes, remove soot build up, replace the air filter, check oil pressure and clean
the oil filter bowl.

Opt for a service plan. These plans include the cost of inspection, annual clean-up and
maintenance, as well as emergency repairs.

Measure the temperature of the flue gases. This will tell you how well the oil heater is warming the
home and ensure that the temperature is not above the maximum allowed amount. Using a special
metal thermometer from a heating supply store, you should find the temperature between 350
degrees F and 540 degrees F.
 Replace the air filter on the oil heater once a month. Permanent air filters can be purchased that are
laundered once a month instead of replaced.

Tips & Warnings

 Do not replace or clean the air filter while the oil heater is turned on. Turn off the heat in your
home before you proceed.
 Do not cover the oil heater with any type of curtains or paneling. The air should be able to flow
freely around the heater.
As far as I am aware these type of heaters do not require any maintenance as far as re-filling is
concerned. They don't burn the oil only heat it and the oil is sealed inside the unit surrounding the
heating coils. I'm pretty certain if you look around the unit you will see there is no cap for any oil. It's
completely sealed off and in-accessible.

4.1 CLEANING, MAINTENANCE AND STORING COULD BE DONE AT HOME

We recommend that the heater be cleaned at least once a month and before off-season storage. Always
unplug the heater before cleaning and allow the heater to cool down.
1. Turn the heater OFF and unplug it. Allow it to cool completely.
2. Use only a dry cloth to clean the external surfaces of the heater.DO NOT USE
WATER,WAX,POLISH, OR ANY CHEMICAL SOLUTION
3. Clean the unit with a soft cloth moistened with a mild soap and water solution.
4. NEVER use abrasive or flammable solvents to clean the unit.
5. After cleaning, be sure to completely dry the unit with a cloth or towel.
6. If the heater is not required for long periods, for example during the summer, it should be
stored at room temperature; in a dry place and preferably covered to prevent the accumulation
of dust and dirt.
7. It is recommended that you store the unit in its original carton.

WARNING: Do not immerse the heater in water or any other liquids.

 CHAPTER 5

BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS OF AN OIL HEAT CONVERTER

BENEFITS OF AN OIL HEAT CONVERTER

 No noisy fan. A traditional space heater with an exposed heating element uses a fan to blow hot
air out into the room. Oil-filled heaters are almost entirely silent. The most noise it makes is
some clicking as the thermostat adjusts itself.
 Won't dry the air. The lack of a fan means the air in your room won't dry out either.
 Energy efficient. Electric heaters are almost 100% efficient, which means that all the energy
used is converted directly to heat. An oil-filled heater doesn't even have to provide power for a
fan motor.
 Slow to cool. They keep radiating heat even after the power has been turned off.
 Thermostat controlled. Once the area or room reaches a comfortable temperature, oil-filled
heaters will automatically cycle on and off to maintain that warmth, instead of running
continuously, saving you money while preventing overheated rooms.
 Oil never needs replenishing. The oil isn't used as fuel, so there's no need to replace it, ever.
 Compact and portable. Oil-filled heaters are lightweight and easily move from place to place.
Many are small enough to fit right under a desk.

Oil-filled heaters are some of the safest space heaters available, too
  Non-scorching surfaces. The metal surfaces get warm to the touch, but never hot enough to
burn if brushed against accidentally.
 No exposed heating element. The heating element is sealed inside the heater, so there's no
chance it will encounter anything flammable.
 No grilles or vents. An oil-filled heater is entirely enclosed, so there's no need to worry about
dust or debris getting inside or fingers poking through an exposed grille. Also, there's no
concern about blocking air flow through intake and outtake vents.
 No gas or fumes. Since they don't burn oil or gas, they are safe to use indoors.
 Built-in safety features. Most models include overheat protection and tilt-switches that turn
the heater off in case of a problem.

 Oil filled room heaters consume less electricity. They are good for power saving. As oil is used
as heat reservoir, even you switch off the heater still room will be hot.
 Oil filled room heaters neither burn oxygen nor reduce humidity making the best choice for new
born babies. In this regard they are healthy options as it won't cause any suffocation or dry eyes,
skin rashes.
 Oil filled room heaters best fit for large room and all night usage as well
 Oil filled room heaters are less noisy, quiet. You don't even feel the presence of it in the room.
 Oil filled room heaters child safe as their surface won't heat up much. You don't need to place
them closer to the bed. Simply put the Oil filled room heaters in the corner of room.

LIMITATIONS OF AN OIL HEAT CONVERTER

Of course, as with any product, there are a few disadvantages as well, primarily that they take a little
longer to heat up than a fan-forced heater. That's because oil-filled heaters have to first heat the oil,
then warm the air around them. Fan-forced heaters deliver an almost immediate blast of hot air.

 Oil filled room heaters are costly. The price starts from 10,000 Rs. But considering the long terms
use and energy saving you can get the returns on investment in few years. Of course, if you are
bachelors and want to make your study table or desk hot oil room heaters are not best bet. You
can with halogen room heaters for that case.
 Oil filled room heaters take some time to heat, around 15 minutes to heat the room. You cannot
get instant heat.
 Oil filled room heaters are very heavy to move around in the home.

There are three main drawbacks worth considering when you are thinking of buying an oil filled space
heater:
 Oily or chemical smell on first use
 Bulkiness and difficulty of moving around
 Risk of oil leaks

Oily or chemical smell on first use: Oil filled radiator heaters are sealed units, and if properly
manufactured there should be no oil appearing on the surface. However many consumers report
unpleasant odors from these heaters, especially the first few times they are used. There are two reasons
for this: the first is that tiny amounts of the oil used to fill the space heater may be present on the
surface. The second is that the paint coating on the space heater may give off a chemical smell.
However, in most cases the smell goes away within a few days. Many manufacturers recommend
turning on their oil filled space heaters in a well ventilated place for a few hours before they are first
used in a more confined space.

Bulkiness and difficulty of moving around: Naturally an oil filled space heater is heavier than a
ceramic space heater or a radiant heater. Most of these units come with casters so you can roll them
from room to room. But there are a couple of problems – often the casters don’t roll well on carpets, so
if you have a lot of carpets or rugs, be prepared for the occasional snag. And some models are poorly
designed in terms of their mobility, in that they don’t provide proper handles to hold while moving.
While oil filled space heaters don’t generally get hot enough to cause burns, you’ll be hard pressed to
hold onto the radiator itself for more than a few seconds without feeling discomfort, which makes it
hard to move a heater that doesn’t have proper handles.

Risk of oil leaks: This is the biggest drawback of oil filled radiator heaters. If they are poorly made,
you could be in for an unpleasant surprise down the road. A slow leak may manifest itself simply as an
unpleasant smell like that of heated motor oil – just enough oil is seeping out to get onto the surface of
the heater, and the heating cycle causes volatile organic compounds to evaporate from the surface,
creating the odor. If your heater starts producing this smell after burn-in, check it carefully for any sign
of leaks. And if it produces the smell for more than the first day or two of use – that is, if burn-in
doesn’t address the initial smell problem – send it back to the seller.

But even worse than a slow oil leak with its accompanying unpleasant odors is the sudden leak of large
quantities of oil. While this is a rare occurrence, it can be a costly one. A carpet soaked in mineral oil is
not going to be easy to clean, and the smell will be with you long after you have tossed the heater in
the trash bin.
5.1 WHY TO CHOOSE OIL FILLED RADIATOR OVER OTHERS?

In winter our face is full of sweat when we open our heating bills. So a requirement for an efficient,
less power consuming heating system is required and when we talk about both these features, the only
heater which comes to mind is an Oil Filled Radiator. In the case of bills, they are life savers.
Working of oil filled radiators:

Oil filled radiators generate from a heat conserving oil inside the heater. This oil circulates through the
radiators fins and coils. The heat generated is then transmitted with the help of convection. The air
comes in contact with parts of the radiator such as the fins and in turn they heat the air.
Advantages of oil filled radiator:
Oil filled radiators are considered a good option for your heating needs in winter. Low in noise: unlike
a fan heater, oil filled radiators don’t consist of a fan so there is no sound of fan to frustrate you. They
heat up the air and through convection heat generated is floated upwards and the process repeats.

Less maintenance cost:

 Oil filled radiators warm up the oil in them; they never burn it so there is never a need to refill them.
Compared with other types of heaters they are much more energy efficient, they heat oil to a certain
temperature and then switch the power consumption off, whereas electric heaters require a constant
power supply.

Less risky:
Oil filled radiators have many safety features as they consist of no exposed heating parts, the chances
of them catching fire are incredibly slim. If they do get too hot the thermostat will automatically switch
the power off.

Reasons to buy:
They are good for the home as well as office. They heat up the desired area and do not disturb other
areas temperature. It’s sure if it’s too cold outside it will bring temperature around you to comfortable
level. Oil filled radiators come in play if you require some heat but members around you are happy to
be cooler If you want to save money by heating the environment around you but not the whole house.
Their design makes them easy to fit in small places also such as in bathrooms or your office desk. They
are very quiet which makes them difficult to notice so nobody will get frustrated by them. One will
require a minimum of 40 watts power to run.

Conclusion:
If you ever get a chance to test them, you will be surprised by how effective they are. Thus it’s very
hard to find cons which would not encourage investment in one.
Oil filled radiators are cheaper and offer a more energy efficient way of heating. You can be sure that
your electricity bills will fall once you replace your old heaters with them.

5.2 10 REASONS THE ELECTRIC OILHEATER IS SO POPULAR

When purchasing a space heater as supplemental heat during the winter season or spot heating the rest
of the year, there are many choices available. The heater that seems to be gaining in popularity is
the electric oil heater. Here are the top reasons why:
1. Low Wattage

They are low-wattage, low-profile units so they're easy to fit under a desk or table as you work. Ideal
for both home and office settings because they use little electricity to generate maximum heat. Low-
watt models are generally safer and less likely to overheat, even after hours of operation. They're
green, safe, and won't drive up your bill!

2. Pet Friendly

Unlike many infrared or ceramic heaters, oil versions are a pet friendly way to warm a room. The
exteriors don't become hot, making them safe to brush up against without the fear of surface burns.
They are ideal for pet and family homes with small children.
3. Good for Allergy Sufferers

For many allergy sufferers and asthmatics, space heaters can be a necessary evil. Keeping warm at
the expense of your health should not be an option, but the reality is that fan-forced models kick up
allergens and disperse them around the room.

Oil units don't have fans. Rather than rely on forced air to heat an area, they use natural convection and
air flow to distribute heat. If you're looking for a heater that will keep you warm without making you
sneeze, choose one that's oil-filled.

4. Portable

Many models come equipped with an integrated wheel base so you can easily transport them from one
area of the house to another. If you have stairs or uneven floors, they are lightweight and can be easily
lifted with one hand. Traditional units weigh around 20 pounds, but flat-panel types are designed at
less than 10 pounds!

5. Doesn't Generate CO
When people hear the word "oil" in oil heater they often associate it with the negative press behind
carbon monoxide poisoning. CO poisoning is a serious, life-threatening condition that can be caused by
improper use of fuel-burning heaters. Heaters that use kerosene do generate carbon monoxide and must
be properly ventilated, as must propane and natural gas units. However, an electric oil heater doesn't
actually burn oil, thus it is not a CO threat.

6. Silent Convection Heating

Oil-filled radiators use convection technology to heat spaces. Since convection is a natural method of
heat transfer, it doesn't require a noisy fan or motor to distribute heat. Without the motor, they are
silent operators making them great for a wide variety of applications. Nurseries, classrooms, bedrooms,
offices, libraries, study rooms and other spaces that require a quiet atmosphere make great venues for
oil heaters!

7. Flat Panel Designs Save Space

As mentioned above, oil heaters are now available as flat-panel designs. A great example of this is
the NewAir AH-400 oil heater, which weighs only 8 pounds and measures a mere 3.5 inches wide! The
skinny design makes these units incredibly versatile without compromising effective space heating.
They don't even tend to cost more than the average oil heater.

8. Work Long Hours

Another reason why oil-filled models are popular is that they continue to work long after you've shut
them down. How? It's actually quite simple: the sealed oil remains hot for hours after you've powered
off the heating element. This makes them reliable for bedrooms, since you can safely keep warm while
sleeping.

9. Fully Equipped with Digital Controls

Although the oil heater utilizes the convection technology of its old-fashioned predecessor - the
radiator - it's certainly not as limited. As noted above, they are portable, lightweight, and eco-friendly.
In addition, they also come with the digital features you want. Many include an adjustable thermostat,
optional heat settings, 1-12 hour timer, automatic safety shut-off, and even remote control
convenience.

10. No Maintenance Costs!

These heaters are generally simple, contemporary pieces of equipment. There aren't very many
components, thus there are fewer things that can go wrong. Most oil heaters will never need
maintenance, but come backed by generous manufacturer's warranties just in case. As noted before, the
heating oil is never burned nor does it require refilling or replacement. This makes oil-filled heating
units cost effective for many years after their initial purchase - a popular feature you can't ignore!

CHAPTER 6

APPLICATIONS OF AN OIL HEAT CONVERTER

These portable oil filled radiator are generally used in domestic purposes, which are
listed below:

 IN HOMES

 IN OFFICES

 IN SCHOOLS

 IN COLLEGES

 IN HOSPITALS

 IN MARRIAGE HALLS AND ETC.

CHAPTER 7

PRECAUTIONS AND ASSEMBLY

When using electrical appliances, based safety precaution should always be taken including the
following:
 Always disconnect the heater from the mains supply when not in use and when cleaning.

 Before connecting the heater, check that the voltage indicated in the rating plate corresponds to

the main voltage in your home/office.

 WARNING: In order to avoid overheating and potential fire risk never cover or block the

heater with any material or objects such as papers, clothes, bedding items, pillows, among

others.

 DO NOT position the heater directly under a power socket.

 DO NOT use this heater in the immediate surroundings of a bath, a shower or a swimming

pool.

 If the supply cord or plug is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or its service

agent or similarly qualified person in order to avoid hazard. The heaters contain no user

serviceable parts should the product suffer damage or breakdown, it must be returned to the

manufacturer or their service agent.

 DO NOT use this heater with a programmer, timer or any other device that switches the heater

on automatically, since a fire risk exist. If the heater is covered or positioned incorrectly.

 DO NOT touch the heater with wet hands or expose the heater to water.

 DOO NOT use this heater outdoors.

 DO NOT position here it can touched by children, especially the very young.

 Allow a safe area around the heater away from furniture or other objects such as pillows,

bedding items, papers, clothes and curtains at least 1m from the top and sides and 2m at the

front. The heater is to be placed at least 3m from any water source.

 DO NOT use this heater when any water source.

 DO NOT use the heater in rooms when it is lying in its side.

 DO NOT use the heater in rooms with explosive gas (e.g. petrol or while using, oxygen,

inflammable glue or solvent (e.g. when gluing or varnishing parquet floors, PVC etc.)

 DO NOT insert any objects into the heater.

 Keep the main cord at a safe distance room the main boy id the heater.

 If overheating should occur, the built-in overheating safety device will automatically switch off

the heater.

 DO NOT place the cord under a rug.

 DO NOT operate the heater adjacent to curtains or combustible material. Curtains or

combustible material may be burned if the heater was installed incorrectly.

 This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical,

sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been
 given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliances by a person responsible for

their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

 When scrapping the heater, follow the regulations concerning the disposal of oil.

 Heater should not be used in room smaller than 5m2.

 Avoid the use of power extensions as they may overheat and cause a fire risk. However, if the

use of such power extension is necessary, the electrical rating of the extension must be equal to

or greater than the electrical rating of the heater.

 DO NOT connect other high wattage application into the same circuit in order to prevent

electric system overload.

 Do not leave the heater “ON” unattended.

 Never cover the heater as this may lead to risk of fire.

 Keep the heater at distance of at least 90cm from any combustible material, such as furniture,

curtains, bedding clothes or papers.

 Do not attempt to open any part of the oil fins.

 Keep the heater clean. Do not allow objects to enter the ventilation, as this may cause electric

shock, fire or damage the heater.

 Close supervision is required when any appliance is used near or by children.

 Never allow the cord to touch wet or hot surfaces, become twisted or be within the reach of

children.

 Do not use outdoors.

 Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner.

 Never use the appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance has malfunctioned

or been damaged in any way.

 Never attempt to open any part or dismantle the controls. Responsibility for failure cannot be

accepted if these instructions have been ignored.

 Do not use the appliance for anything other than its intended use.

 This appliance is intended for household use only.

 The appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.

 Do not use this heater in the immediate surroundings of a bath, a shower or a swimming pool.

 This heater is filled with a precise quantity of special oil. Repairs requiring opening of the oil

container are only to be made by the manufacturer or his service agent who should be contacted

if there is an oil leakage. Regulations.

 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE PLUG ON YOUR

PRODUCT

ELECTRICAL RATING

This product is rated 1250W, 230V – 50Hz

7.1 ASSEMBLY/INSTALLATION

SET UP-WHEEL BASE ASSEMBLY

NOTE: DO NOT OPERATE THE HEATER WITHOUT THE WHEEL BASE ASSEMBLIES

IN PLACE.THE HEATER MUST ALWAYS BE USED IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION.DO NOT

OPERATE THE HEATER IF THE WHEELS ARE NOT ASSEMBLED CORRECTLY.

 Make sure the heater is unplugged and in the OFF position.

 Turn the heater upside down to install wheels.

 Push wheels into each wheel base pin, until you hear them snap into position.

 While the heater is still upside-down, position the wheel base assemblies between the end fins.

Attach them to the U-bolts on the heater and tighten using the wing nuts provided

 Turn heater right-side up. Your heater is now ready for use.

 Place the heater on a firm, level surface free from obstructions, and at least 3ft (0.9m) away

from any wall or combustible material. If the controls are located at the bottom and the logo is

upside down you have installed the wheels incorrectly.

NOTE: These heaters contain oil that is permanently sealed and will never require refilling or

replacing.

CHAPTER 8

FURTHER INFORMATION
8.1 ENVIRONMENTS SUITED TO USING AN OIL FILLED RADITOR

Given their size and portability, oil filled heaters are ideal for apartment dwellers, dorm rooms, RVs,
and other smaller spaces. If you’ve yet to get a solid HVAC system installed in your home, oil filled
heaters can handle the job of keeping your living space warm.

8.2 TROUBLESHOOTING OIL-FILLED HEATERS.

Oil-Filled space heaters require very little in the way of maintenance or service. The most common
problems are electrical - faulty wiring or a bad power switch - and can be repaired by an authorized
service technician. If you're heater isn't providing heat, and the problem is not with the circuit, have it
checked out professionally. Sometimes an oil-Filled heater will develop a leak. If you notice a viscous
liquid coming from your unit, disconnect it from the power and cease using it immediately. The oil is
sealed inside the heater at the factory, and leaks cannot be repaired or replenished. If your heater is still
under warranty, contact the manufacturer for replacement options. Sometimes, people hear noises
coming from these otherwise silent heaters. Popping and crackling noises are normal - this happens as
the oil and metal warms up. If your heater has been turned upside down, you might hear a gurgling
noise when you set it upright as the oil settles into the channels again. Wait till the noise stops to use
the heater. For any other questions or concerns about oil-Filled radiator heaters, please contact our
Customer Service representatives.

Portable oil heaters are useful for providing an extra source of heat in an otherwise cold room during
the winter. Problems that commonly affect oil heaters, regardless of brand, are often caused by
incorrect setup or poor choice of location. Issues with the electrical supply are also a contributing
factor to many technical issues. Troubleshooting your portable oil heater will help you get warm again.
Exact parts and buttons will vary, based on your particular brand of oil heater.

 Check that the oil heater is still plugged in. You might have disconnected the power during the
summer and forgotten to reconnect it when you need the heater. Disconnect any extension
cords, power bars, double-adapters or power boards connected to the heater and plug the power
cord directly into an outlet.
 Adjust the heat switches on the side of the heater. Some heaters have several levels of heating
accessed by moving switches in different combinations. Move the switches so the both are in
the "On" position. The heater will take a few minutes to heat up.
 Turn up the thermostat, if fitted. The heater might be configured to switch off at a temperature
lower than you were expecting. Some oil heaters have a dial on the side that regulates the
thermostat and the level of heating. Allow a few minutes for the new heat setting to take effect.
 Move the heater into a better position. Air needs to circulate around and through the fins of the
heater for it to work properly. Put the heater in front of any furniture while ensuring the power
cable doesn't pose a trip hazard. Don't cover the heater with any clothes or blankets.
8.3 WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CONVECTOR AND A RADIATOR?

Nowadays there is an abundance of different types of heating units on the market, yet without question
radiators and convectors continue to remain the most popular. If you are on the verge of deciding
between radiators and convectors, it is good to know exactly what the differences are.

The biggest difference is in the way they work

In a radiator hot water flows through tubes or panels. The water acts to heat up the tubes or panels
(made from steel, aluminium or cast iron), with those tubes or panels then going on to heat up the ambient
air. The heat thus generated inside any given room is a combination of radiant heat and convective
heat.

Convectors also rely on hot water, but the way they operate is just that little bit different from radiators.
Convectors mainly generate convective heat, drawing in cold air at the bottom through the principle of
underpressure which serves to activate a hot air circulation system. Hot water goes through a smaller
tube at the bottom of the appliance, which is surrounded by aluminium fins. The fins increase the contact
surface area with the ambient air and act as a heat exchanger.

Radiant heat

Radiant heat consists of horizontal heat waves that warm up the ambient air. So we are dealing with a
direct form of heating.

What are the benefits of radiant heat?

 Radiant heat is healthier than convective heat, because the hot air you inhale does not come out
of a heating element which brings dust.
 A lot of people are convinced that radiant heat feels warmer and more pleasant.
 Convective heat

Convective heat is an indirect form of heating. The heating element draws in cold air which it then heats
up. The hot air rises up to the ceiling, where it cools down before descending again, allowing the process
to repeat itself time and again. The major benefit of convective heat is that it heats up the room more
evenly than radiant heat.

The price tag

If low energy consumption ranks high on your list of priorities, a convector could well be the most
rewarding option for you. If budget is a big consideration for you, a radiator is likely to be the best
decision. In addition, these days radiators exist (e.g. made from aluminium) that also come with a low
level of energy consumption! What is more, radiators have a longer service life and allow for more design
features.

8.4 OIL FILLED HEATER VS. CONVECTION HEATER

The two major forms of heating in homes are either oil filled heaters or convection heaters. They tend
to work on similar principles of heating the surrounding air, although the method by which they
circulate the air is different. There are stark differences in price for the most part as well as energy
consumption, making a thorough evaluation of specific needs essential before you purchase either.

Concepts
Oil filled heaters work by circulating a heated oil throughout the coils of a radiator. The oil is a special
heat conserving oil that will retain the heat for long periods of time and not require continuous
reheating. The air surrounding the heater is warmed by the coils and radiates outward and upward. A
convection heater, better referred to as a forced air heater, sucks the air from a room, heats it in a
central chamber, such as a furnace, and blows the heater air back into the room.

Advantages of Oil Filled

Oil filled heaters are by far the cheaper option, both in initial cost and in continuing utility bills. They
require a generally lower wattage than other forms of heating and, because of the heat conserving oil,
they remain at that temperature for a long time. While central heating often ends up blowing the rising
warm air to the room's ceiling, the gradual radiating heat of an oil-filled heater keeps the temperature
uniform. Also the small size can fit under a desk, so those who have different heat preferences in a
room can choose this option. They are also much safer to have around and less of a fire risk.

Advantages of Convection Heaters

Convection systems heat a room much faster. If a house is already equipped with a system of ducts, a
convection system will be by far the quickest option. Using a ducts system will keep rooms in the
 house heated more uniformly than individuals with personal space heaters. Individual convection
heaters don't have this advantage, but again will circulate the warmed air more quickly.

Disadvantages of Oil Filled

Oil filled heaters can be quite slow. The process of warming the oil then warming the air then radiating
this warmed air around an area takes time. Very large rooms are not well served by small oil filled
heaters unless they are left on permanently which, although they do not require much power, can over
time become pricey. Should there be a leak in the oil from the coils, it can cause skin irritations or
burns.

Disadvantages of Convection Heaters

After some time in heating a room they end up being quite inefficient because, as already mentioned,
most of the hot air ends up at the ceiling. If they are placed too close to a window and there is a draft,
the cold air will recirculate through the heater constantly and potentially cause it to overheat. In fact,
convection heaters are some of the leading causes of fires in houses. They also draw quite a bit of
power and over time will be the more expensive option.

8.5 OIL FILLED VS. WATER FILLED

There are a couple of water filled space heaters on the market, such as the WestPoint water filled
convection heater. What are the differences between water filled and oil filled space heaters?

The point of a liquid-filled space heater is to absorb heat from an electric resistance element, and then
release it slowly. Both water and oils provide thermal mass that quickly soaks up the heat and slowly
distributes it into the surrounding air. But oil has greater thermal inertia than water, so while oil filled
space heaters take longer to warm up, they also continue releasing heat for longer after their power
source is shut off. If you need heat quickly – for example, you come home late at night to a freezing
cold bedroom and want to warm the room up quickly – an oil filled space heater is probably the least
effective way to warm the room up: by the time the oil in the heater has warmed enough to provide
substantial heat to the room, you’ll either have fallen asleep under a mountain of blankets, or have died
of hypothermia. A water filled space heater will warm more quickly, and therefore warm the room
more quickly, but for this type of quick heat the best solution is a convection space heater, which will
warm the air directly without an intervening liquid.
 In case you are interested in the specifics: water has a thermal conductivity of 0.6 watts per meter
kelvin, while mineral oil has a thermal conductivity of about 0.14 W/(mK). So it will take roughly four
times longer for oil filled space heaters to warm up as water filled space heaters, but they will keep on
releasing heat four times longer as well.

This brings up another myth of oil filled space heaters: Some manufacturers claim their heaters are
filled with a ‘special heat conserving oil’. But the thermal conductivity of oils ranges from 0.1 to 0.21,
which relative to water would mean that any oil is a special heat conserving oil. It’s just marketing.

8.6 BEST USES OF AN OIL FILLED HEATER

The main reason I would recommend oil filled space heaters is for people who pay different electricity
rates for different times of the day. Because oil has good thermal inertia, you can arrange for your
heater to fire up when electricity is cheap, and still get some benefit from the heat when electricity is
more expensive and the radiator is switched off. For example you can put an oil filled space heater on a
heavy duty electric timer (be careful to buy one that supports the high amperage of space heaters – not
just any timer will do), and have the timer switch on an hour before you wake up, since electricity in
winter tends to be cheaper before 7am, before people are out and about and manufacturers and offices
start using large amounts of electricty. Most people can get buy with temperatures in the high 50’s and
low 60’s in their bedroom if they are in pajamas and buried under blankets, but it’s hard to get dressed
in a room that cold, so setting an oil filled space heater to heat up an hour before you wake up is a
pleasant and efficient way to wake up and dress in comfort.

Another good reason to buy oil filled space heaters instead of convection fan heaters is that oil filled
space heaters are virtually silent. If you have trouble sleeping to the sound of white noise, the fan of a
convection fan heater will keep you up. The only noise you will hear from an oil filled space heater is
the occasional creaking caused by thermal expansion or contraction of the radiator metal, as the unit
warms or cools, but this is infrequent and almost inaudible because these heaters tend to keep a fairly
steady temperature. Even baseboard heaters – or convection heaters without fans – tend to be noisier,
as their thermostats cause the heat to turn on and off, which makes the metal in those heaters expand
and contract more noisily.

On the other hand, if white noise helps you fall asleep or stay asleep, maybe a convection fan heater is
the way to go.

Safety is another consideration: it is much harder to burn yourself (or for a small child to burn
themselves) with an oil filled radiator heater than with a convection or radiant heater, because the
heating element heats the air only indirectly through the oil, not directly. And it is much harder to tip
over an oil filled radiator because of its bulk and weight.

8.7 WHICH HEATERS ARE MORE EFFICIENT: THOSE FILLED WITH OIL OR THE NEW
QUARTZ HEATERS?

The rough answer to your question is that you will get near as makes no difference the same amount of
heat per watt used no matter which heater you use. However, differences in design can lead to one
being a better choice for your needs.

Keep in mind that watt for watt, almost every heater will give you the same amount of heat.
This is a typical oil heater, this particular one uses 1500 watts of power to heat an area of about 150
square feet. They take a little while to heat up and the heat is radiated in an even pattern off of the fins.
The large surface area means that they don't get as hot to the touch as quartz heaters (i.e. there a little
bit safer). They keep things nearby the heater nice and toasty so if you don't need to heat the whole
room and can sit near the heater you can stay comfortable with less energy usage. Radiant heaters will
also stay warm for a while after they are turned off so it will give you more consistent heat instead of
having to turn them on and off to stay comfortable.

Now Quartz heaters can come in a few different designs so that gets a bit more complicated. A
traditional quartz heater is an infrared heater which results in it being very efficient at heating objects
(i.e. if you stand in front of it you will get warm) but not very good at heating the air in the room. This
 means that if your not in the path of the heater you are not going to feel as much of an effect.

There are also quartz heaters that have fans built in that are designed to warm the air and circulate it so
that gives you yet another choice. These are nice for heating rooms or spaces that you want the whole
room to be nice and toasty. However they will have to heat up the entire room or you will have to stand
in the path of the hot air to stay comfortable.

Unfortunately there is no distinct answer to you question, it really depends on the application and what
kind of heat you'd like. Again, they will all give you the same amount of heat per watt, it will simply be
directed in a different way depending on which you choose.

Finally, other than the caster wheels that some oil filled space heaters provide so you can easily move
the units around, these electric heaters have no moving parts to wear out, unlike convection fan heaters
which have a continually moving fan.

8.8 OIL FILLED HEATERS THAT ARE ENERGY EFFICIENT

 Oil-filled heaters are a popular choice for heating single rooms or small spaces. It's important to ensure
these heaters use as little electricity as possible, and are efficient in the use of what electricity they do
consume. Energy efficiency is not a new concept, but is becoming a more popular one. Many home
appliances have been notorious energy hogs for decades, but new breakthroughs in manufacturing and
technology have allowed this to change.

Delonghi

 Delonghi makes many of the industry's most sought after appliances, boasting unique designs
and features, along with one of the industry's leading life expectancy rates among its products.
The Delonghi TRD0715T is a great option for energy efficiency. The most efficient heaters are
generally equipped with variable heat settings and a thermostat, and this (and most other
Delonghis) are no exception. Setting a thermostat which will turn the heater off when a certain
temperature is reached is a very effective way of reducing the amount of energy used. The
Delonghi TRD0715T has three heat settings: 600, 900 and 1500 watts. This model also boasts a
24 hour programmable timer with 96 programming variations to maximize comfort and
personalization.

Honeywell

 Honeywell makes heaters and other appliances with a great track record of energy efficiency.
One example is the Honeywell HZ-709 Oil Filled Digital Radiator Heater, which is a top
competitor in its class. The digital display and controls are intuitive and simple. With a
concealed heating element, this heater offers both safety and efficiency. The Honeywell HZ-
709 boasts a thermostat which can be set in 1 degree increments from 45F to 85F. This model
also offers multiple heat settings with a standby mode that uses just 55 watts and 1500, 900 and
600 watt settings.

Newair

 Newair manufactures affordable and efficient appliances which are easy to find in most larger
retail stores and discount centers. The Newair AH-40 is one of the most energy efficient oil
filled radiator heaters available, boasting just 700 watts needed to operate in conjunction with a
high speed convection design and adjustable thermostat. This translates to very little power
being used while heat is circulated quickly right where it is needed. The convection system
means there is no noisy fan and the heat is evenly distributed throughout the room.

8.9 OIL HEATR VS. ELECTRIC HEATER

Staying warm is a high priority for any household, and there are several types of heaters to choose
from. Two popular options are oil heaters and electric heaters. Both have their pros and cons, relating
to such considerations as how quickly they work, how safe they are and even how much they weigh.

Function

 Although the desired outcome is the same for both electric and oil heaters, the two function
quite differently. An oil heater consists of hollow columns in which oil, after being heated,
circulates to continue providing warmth. Depending on the model, the heating element used to
warm the oil could be anything from an electric current to a small flame. Electric heaters, on
the other hand, contain no liquid and rely solely on volts of electricity to heat the metal
columns. Therefore, electric heaters tend to warm up much more quickly.

Safety

 Although any heater can cause injury, electric heaters carry the highest safety risks. First,
electric heaters tend to be much hotter to the touch than oil heaters and have been known to
ignite combustible materials that have been placed too close to them. Also, since such a high
amount of voltage flows through electric heaters, there is serious potential for danger if the
heaters come in contact with water or fall into a sink or bathtub.

Effects on the Environment

 If properly maintained, neither electric nor oil heaters pose significant environmental problems.
Since the oil within an oil heater circulates for years, it does not require constant replenishing.
 Oil is toxic, however, and eventually should be disposed of properly. Electric heaters leave no
waste behind, but they do consume large amounts of electricity. Depending on the source of
electricity (a coal plant generator, for instance), there technically could be an environmental
impact.

Cost and Efficiency

 Depending on the power of the model, electric heaters and oil heaters do vary significantly in
price, but there are differences in how much each costs to run. Again, although oil heaters take
longer to initially heat up, they are able to stay warm on their own for some time. Electric
heaters, on the other hand, need a constant charge of voltage in order to produce heat, which
can put a strain on electric bills.

Weight

 Oil heaters tend to weigh much more than electric heaters. This is because they are filled with
liquid and because the materials used to construct oil heaters are designed for durability and to
keep any oil from escaping. Electric heaters, which have nothing but electricity flowing through
them, can be built to be much more lightweight.

Noise

 In general, electric heaters are much noisier than oil heaters. This is because electric heaters are
constantly churning out volts of electricity in order to keep the device hot. Oil heaters contain a
fluid that, once initially heated up, stays warm for a fairly long time. Therefore, oil heaters do
not have to work as hard as electric heaters to continue running.